Starting on some end table carvings

[autobodyman]

I decided to get started on the end tables I've been planning on building for a few years. They are going to be similar to the nightstand I built a few years ago.

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/3636/66668190.jpg
Night stand top carving from 2007

I had the wife take some pictures of me from behind on a fence, printed them out then traced them, scanned the tracing into the computer and made the pattern below. The board is 8¼" tall and 20" wide.

http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100503/110511/036195.jpg
My plan at this point is to carve the back out of ¾" thick stock then take some more pics to get the front drawn out and carve the front, glue the two halves together. (I'll probably scan the two halves before glueing up) This will then be glued down on top of a rodeo carving for the background (haven't started that yet, it will be 20" wide and 26" tall, I have some patterns I got from the pattern depot that I'll likely have the machine carve). That's why I nailed two ¾" pieces together. The holes drilled, now I can start cutting it out on the scrollsaw.


http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100503/110511/042007.jpg
Cutting out on the scrollsaw.


http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100503/110511/052256.jpg
Finally got it cut out, hard to believe I have 3 days in this so far (taking pictures, creating the pattern and cutting it out).

Next is to start carving, I'm sure that will take me quite a few days as well (by hand). This will be for end table number 1, the second end table is still just in my head.
My thought on that one is kind of an old type saloon inside. Stage in the background with a dance hall girl on the stage, 3 round poker tables with guys playing poker, some serving girls, a bar on the right side with a couple guys sitting on bar stools, the bar keep and a mirror and shelf behind the bar keep with bottles on shelves. I expect it will be some time before I get started on the second one.

What do you think?

Thanks ~Mike

[robbrigg2]

I think your work, design, and creativity far surpass what I could ever imagine... great design.. you have just taught me some great stuff and I don't know if you intended to do that.. but thanks none-the-less!@

[chebytrk]

I decided to get started on the end tables I've been planning on building for a few years. They are going to be similar to the nightstand I built a few years ago.

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/3636/66668190.jpg
Night stand top carving from 2007

I had the wife take some pictures of me from behind on a fence, printed them out then traced them, scanned the tracing into the computer and made the pattern below. The board is 8¼" tall and 20" wide.

http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100503/110511/036195.jpg
My plan at this point is to carve the back out of ¾" thick stock then take some more pics to get the front drawn out and carve the front, glue the two halves together. (I'll probably scan the two halves before glueing up) This will then be glued down on top of a rodeo carving for the background (haven't started that yet, it will be 20" wide and 26" tall, I have some patterns I got from the pattern depot that I'll likely have the machine carve). That's why I nailed two ¾" pieces together. The holes drilled, now I can start cutting it out on the scrollsaw.


http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100503/110511/042007.jpg
Cutting out on the scrollsaw.


http://www.PhotoShare.co.nz/PhotoShareGallery1/100503/110511/052256.jpg
Finally got it cut out, hard to believe I have 3 days in this so far (taking pictures, creating the pattern and cutting it out).

Next is to start carving, I'm sure that will take me quite a few days as well (by hand). This will be for end table number 1, the second end table is still just in my head.
My thought on that one is kind of an old type saloon inside. Stage in the background with a dance hall girl on the stage, 3 round poker tables with guys playing poker, some serving girls, a bar on the right side with a couple guys sitting on bar stools, the bar keep and a mirror and shelf behind the bar keep with bottles on shelves. I expect it will be some time before I get started on the second one.

What do you think?

Thanks ~Mike

Your pics still have me puzzled. Now for the first time on this machine I can actually see the first picture, but I can't see any of the other ones (except the x) and even when I right click and have it "show picture" it still doesn't do it. Now, I'm running windows 7 (64bit) on this machine. However, I CAN see the pics on my laptop that is also runnining Windows7 (32 bit). I wonder if it's because of 64 -vs- 32bit. If so, does anyone know how I can fix this? I sure do like looking at all the stuff that you make Autobodyman. It's is definately "Greatness" !

[robbrigg2]

Jerry, it might be that your getting interference from an antivirus program... I've had this problem in the past with Kaspersky... I just turn it off for that time being though you have to be sure you trust the site.

[Deolman]

Once again WOW! I can't wait to see how these turn out. It boggles my mind with what might be next. I will stay tuned "for the next episode."

[Eagle Hollow]

Again, I'm in awe of your awesome work. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[twiceretired]

Autobodyman Your nightstand is awesome. I’m sure the end tables will be as well. I admire your abilities’ and tenacity, I couldn’t possibly undertake such a task, to impatient.
Jerry I had a problem similar to yours and ended up having to download the latest video drivers from Nvidia. Running windows 7 64 bit.

[mtylerfl]

Hi Mike,

That is going to be outstanding!! What great talent, skill and imagination! We're all looking forward to watching your progress on this wonderful project!

[liquidguitars]

Very cool..

LG

[spalted]

cool beans!

I'll be watching to see how it all truns out.

[LittleRedWoodshop]

very nicely done..... wow.

[jhatcher]

Did you carve the woman with the CW? If you did, I would love to make one of those for my brother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

VERY COOL!!!!!!!!!

AMAZING!!!!!


Jeremy

(p.s.) looked at your page and can see that you carved it manually. You know, if you carved things and did a scan of your finished work (within space limits) you could sell those patterns. You really have talent.

[lynnfrwd]

You know, if you carved things and did a scan of your finished work (within space limits) you could sell those patterns. You really have talent.

Allow me to make the introductions!

JHATCHER meet Mike Leslie the Pattern Vendor AKA Autobodyman and view his patterns at:
http://store.carvewright.com/pattern.php?vendor=autobodyman2

Also read his Customer Spotlight at http://www.carvewright.com/cms/leslie

Mikes stuff is just too cool. Wish I had one ounce of his creativity.

He knows I am his number one fan.

[TerryT]

Hehehe, I was just 23 minutes late!

[jhatcher]

And you know the bad thing is that about 1 year ago before I bought the CW, I saw some of the work on the CW site.

I suppose the pics just made me forget. Hey, forget my last post! :)

dork here didn't do my artist research

Jeremy

[autobodyman]

Thanks everyone, made a little more progress this weekend, though not as much as I'd hoped. Had to do my taxes this weekend.


http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6400/35241475.jpg
Used my Craftsman mini router to lower some of the wood.
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/4621/64284517.jpg
I will be doing a front for this so the legs will be thicker on the other side of the fence.
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6936/34176871.jpg

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/6721/25511517.jpg
Does this carving make my @zz look big ;D

Slow going but making a little progress. Only got a start on the first "me" lack the pockets and more work on the shirt and head and the rest of the carving.

Thanks ~Mike

[karossii]

beautiful stuff... but I have to wonder; what are you using the carvewright for in this? It looks like you're carving it by hand...

[autobodyman]

beautiful stuff... but I have to wonder; what are you using the carvewright for in this? It looks like you're carving it by hand...

Thanks, when I'm done with the fence guys, I will scan it with the carvewright, this is how I make most of my patterns, hand carve stuff and scan it. I will use the carvewright to carve the panel that will go under these guys (a rodeo scene) using some patterns I bought from the pattern depot.

Thanks ~Mike

[karossii]

Oh, that is great! I wish I could do that kind of thing by hand; but then... that's why I got a CarveWright!

[TIMCOSBY]

well of course it does :>}. you've inspired me to give something like this a try when i get the time.

[geekviking]

IMPRESSIVE! :cool:

[autobodyman]

I didn't make tons of progress, had some husbandly duties I had to perform (not that, dog gone it trying to stick with the western theme here ;-)) took the wife to Rapid City for some shopping Tuesday, did some yard cleanup (raking, mowing etc...) so this is only a couple more hours worth:


http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/8615/39534252.jpg
I still lack quite a lot and am jumping around on it a bit.
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/2162/16l.jpg

If y'all get tired of the updates let me know and I won't post any more till I get it finished.
Thanks ~Mike

[dbfletcher]

Please keep posting.. i cant believe the transformation each time you post new progress pics. You are amazing.

Doug Fletcher

[eelamb]

yes please keep posting your updates.

[SharonB]

Yes Mike....please keep this thread ongoing. Can't wait until you finish it, scan it and have the pattern in the store....smile. It's always a pleasure to see what others are doing.

[PCW]

Mike,

Keep them coming. :D

[Eagle Hollow]

Mike,

Don't stop now. We're addicted! Thanks for sharing the progress.

[dkarcher]

I just love seeing your work! Keep it coming! :)

[mtylerfl]

Watching your progress on this great project is why I get up in the mornings! Thank you for continuing the updates and photos!

[autobodyman]

Watching your progress on this great project is why I get up in the mornings! Thank you for continuing the updates and photos!

Michael, I hope you found some other reasons to get up ;D this seems like it's taking me forever, still a long way to go:


http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/1016/12757415.jpg
After I get it to looking fairly decent from straight on, I will start working on making it look better from the sides.

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/6273/32690269.jpg

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/9194/44643764.jpg
After that I will rout out the fence (between the logs) on the other side under the saddle and the "me" with the duster and undercut the saddle.

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/9796/36129192.jpg
Then I will be ready to start carving the other section (when I stack cut two of these) for the legs, feet, saddle etc... that would be the front. Though I'm quite a few hours from that yet.

I haven't been keeping very good track of my time, this is probably another 10-12 hours.

What do you think?

Thanks ~Mike

[AskBud]

You sir, are a True Artist!
AskBud

[b.sumner47]

Beautiful ! Capt Barry.

[LittleRedWoodshop]

I can't wait to see the finished product.

[TIMCOSBY]

put a round can of skole tobacco in the rear pocket of the other guy.

[Deolman]

I can't wait to see the finished product.

I can't wait to see the next installment!

[Eagle Hollow]

Simply amazing. Each installment is awesome!

[mtylerfl]

Michael, I hope you found some other reasons to get up ;D this seems like it's taking me forever, still a long way to go:...
I haven't been keeping very good track of my time, this is probably another 10-12 hours.

What do you think?

Thanks ~Mike

Hi Mike,

That is looking so cool! Glad I got up this morning to see it! I've got to try doing some more power carving - you're just having way too much fun! I think we're all having almost as much fun watching you work your 'magic' on this - what a great documentary!

[Deolman]

Yes MT we are all in agreement with you.

[rcdages]

Yes MT we are all in agreement with you.

I am on board with this QUOTE.

Out standing workmanship.

Robert
rcdages

[JDPratt]

Would love to see a tutorial on how you do your carving (pics or video). I find the ability you and others have to do this type of thing simply amazing. Can't wait to see more.

[DocWheeler]

Mike,

I've commented on your (humbling) work before but feel compelled to say how great your skills are once again.

Just curious, since you do bodywork, do you have some photos of automobile work that you would like to share?

[chebytrk]

Mike,

I've commented on your (humbling) work before but feel compelled to say how great your skills are once again.

Just curious, since you do bodywork, do you have some photos of automobile work that you would like to share?

Just imagine if he's got these kinds of skills for woodwork, his auto body work skills have to be OFF THE HOOK ! :D This is like anxiously waiting to get to the next chapter in a book..... Mike's Book! : ) A true Arteeeest ! : )

[RayTrek]

Hello Mike,
I cannot see the day when I will tire of your outstanding work, for some reason the pictures where only partially down loading and have not been able to see them, figured out to day if I highlight them and copy, then paste them into word that the hole picture appears, Windows 7.
I appreciate very much the rough and detailed steps you have shared with us.
Thank You
Ray

[autobodyman]

Mike,

I've commented on your (humbling) work before but feel compelled to say how great your skills are once again.

Just curious, since you do bodywork, do you have some photos of automobile work that you would like to share?

Thank you.

I had a website I set up years ago on my old ISP (around 1998 ), I can no longer change anything on it but some of the pictures still seem to be there:
http://www.auto.vcn.com/MorPthum.HTM
http://www.auto.vcn.com/Frame.htm My current web pages are a bit more modest: http://www.customers.collinscom.net/autobody/

http://www.customers.collinscom.net/autobody/weather/
I've had a few interesting body jobs over the years however most of what I do these days is 95% insurance repair (deer hits & windshield replace mostly), so really nothing particularly special. Seems, at least here in Sundance there isn't to much call anymore for custom paint jobs. Since most of my work is from people's insurance I don't even see to many big jobs anymore (like roof replacements from rollovers etc..)as Wyoming is one of those states with the 80% rule (insurance companies can total a vehicle where the damage exceeds 80% of it's value).

The other thing is with a hobby you really don't have to worry to much about how much time you spend on something unlike paying work were there are some time constraints. (my body shop business, meeting labor hours estimates, insurance company limits etc...)


Just imagine if he's got these kinds of skills for woodwork, his auto body work skills have to be OFF THE HOOK ! :D This is like anxiously waiting to get to the next chapter in a book..... Mike's Book! : ) A true Arteeeest ! : )

I'll post some more when I make more progress.
Thanks to everyone for replying with such positive feedback, keeps me even more interested in working on this.
~Mike

[autobodyman]

Kind of slow going, but still plugging away at it:

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8996/end01.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/9028/end02.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8277/end03.jpg

Thanks for looking.

~Mike

[Fletcher]

Unreal... Talent like that is special to see. I also love the fact that you embrace technology as a tool for a very pure, raw, art. I mean in the sense of photos, scans, etc. I know your work is done by hand and that is exactly what is "humbling". Beautiful work...

[roughcut]

Reminds me of west world really life like. Great work.

[temler]

I am speechless, wonderful, awesome project.

Tim Eric

[Kenm810]

Great Progression to watch!
It just keeps getting Better and Better http://forum.carvewright.com/images/icons/icon14.gif

[mtylerfl]

Kind of slow going, but still plugging away at it:Thanks for looking.

~Mike

Hi Mike,

I'm having trouble looking forward to getting up in the mornings, since I haven't been able to view any new postings of your 'cowboys on the fence' project lately! ;)

How's it coming along?

[autobodyman]

Hi Mike,

I'm having trouble looking forward to getting up in the mornings, since I haven't been able to view any new postings of your 'cowboys on the fence' project lately! ;)

How's it coming along?

Yea, it kind of got put on the back burner. I finally got the siding for my house, that I've been planning on doing for the last 2 summers (no money, finally cashed in a mutual fund that wasn't doing anything. figured I needed to get going on this before I become to old and out of shape to do it). Between that and getting the yard and garden stuff ready I haven't had much time to do any more on the cowboys. It could end up being Fall or Winter before I get back to it. Sorry.

~Mike

[Capt Bruce]

We'll all wait until then, ANXIOUSLY, but we'll wait. Simply a beautiful project Sir. Will the siding be engraved or just functional? Thanks

[lawrence]

As the others have stated-- WOW

I'm loving the in progress pics
Lawrence

[eelamb]

Mike I believe most of us know what you are going through. The yard work has started, need to paint the house, clean the barn stalls, and scrape the winter paddock, that will give me about 700 pounds of compost. (any one need compost?) See the list just gets longer and longer, and before you know it winter will be upon us again. Now I do get a break next month. I will be on light duty for 6 weeks.

We will be waiting for the next images of your work.

[GrammaPam]

Yea, it kind of got put on the back burner. I finally got the siding for my house, that I've been planning on doing for the last 2 summers (no money, finally cashed in a mutual fund that wasn't doing anything. figured I needed to get going on this before I become to old and out of shape to do it). Between that and getting the yard and garden stuff ready I haven't had much time to do any more on the cowboys. It could end up being Fall or Winter before I get back to it. Sorry.

~Mike

If we lived closer I'd come do your yard work just so you could continue your carving and we all could watch the progress.
Love your talent.
G.P.

[Deolman]

OK, fall has come and gone and I am sure winter has definitely settled into Wyoming. I am wondering if we will get a new chapter on the "cowboys." How about it Autobodyman?

[autobodyman]

OK, fall has come and gone and I am sure winter has definitely settled into Wyoming. I am wondering if we will get a new chapter on the "cowboys." How about it Autobodyman?

Okay, I guess a new chapter sort of. I finished up the back of the cowboys, cleared it and scanned it in, it's in the pattern depot now (cowboys on Fence (http://store.carvewright.com/pattern.php?vendor=autobodyman2))
40458 40459
My BodyShop business has slowed down after a very busy summer and I've caught up on most of my other projects (see below) so I will start working on the front of this carving, the background for this to be attached to and the end table itself. I'm hoping to get this one done this Winter.

Got the new siding on my house this Spring, took the wife, my son and I about 2 months to get it done.
40460 40461

40462
Apparently limited to 5 pics per post, to be continued.

~Mike

[autobodyman]

40463
Had a lot of hail damage repairs during the summer, so that and summer stuff kept me pretty busy.

Needed to make some Christmas presents carved this spoon for the wife, took me around 33 hours.
40464 40465 40466 40467

Continued:

~Mike

[autobodyman]

More Christmas gifts, bullet pens with Wyoming prairie rattler skins, one pinecone top.
40468 40469

I was also helping my son with and Intarsia eagle he's making for his wife for Christmas.
40470 40472 40473
Anyway I will be getting back to work on the Cowboy End table project.

Thanks ~Mike

[henry1]

40463
Had a lot of hail damage repairs during the summer, so that and summer stuff kept me pretty busy.

Needed to make some Christmas presents carved this spoon for the wife, took me around 33 hours.
40464 40465 40466 40467

Continued:

~Mike
Were did you ever get that pattern very nice were did you buy it thx

[autobodyman]

Were did you ever get that pattern very nice were did you buy it thx

You mean the spoon? I modified the pattern I bought from carvingpatterns.com not a lot, just increased the rope to make it longer and added the "Love" Spoon Patterns (http://www.carvingpatterns.com/spoons/spoon-pack.htm)

Thanks ~Mike

[henry1]

You mean the spoon? I modified the pattern I bought from carvingpatterns.com not a lot, just increased the rope to make it longer and added the "Love" Spoon Patterns (http://www.carvingpatterns.com/spoons/spoon-pack.htm)

Thanks ~Mike
when you buy it does it come as mpc or jpeg or ready to carve on your machine
Henry

[autobodyman]

when you buy it does it come as mpc or jpeg or ready to carve on your machine
Henry
It was just a jpg image, I modified it and carved it by hand.

Thanks ~Mike

[CarverJerry]

Nice work autobodyman, and that is on everything.........just love your house, bet the inside is just out of this world too. Thanks for showing all of us your work.

CJ

[henry1]

It was just a jpg image, I modified it and carved it by hand.

Thanks ~Mike
Wow,, gotta say your talented carver ,,man your good

[rnichols]

Hey autobodyman
Beautifull work, Are those pens kits ? They don't look familiar to me.

[Deolman]

Wow autobodyman! I only expected an update on the cowboys but you gave a whole book for me to enjoy. Great work! Thank you for sharing with us.

[autobodyman]

Hey autobodyman
Beautifull work, Are those pens kits ? They don't look familiar to me.

Thanks Bob, yes Bullet Pen (http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/New_Products___Bullet_Pen_Kit___bullet_pen_kit?Arg s=)kits I got from Craft Supplies, the snake skin blanks (http://www.pennstateind.com/store/WXSS8.html)I got from Pennstate.

Thanks ~Mike

[JDPratt]

Amazing work. Your work is always truely amazing work. Nice pens too.

[GrammaPam]

Your work is great. Your talent shows in everything you do. Thank you for sharing.

[rnichols]

Thanks Bob, yes Bullet Pen (http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/New_Products___Bullet_Pen_Kit___bullet_pen_kit?Arg s=)kits I got from Craft Supplies, the snake skin blanks (http://www.pennstateind.com/store/WXSS8.html)I got from Pennstate.

Thanks ~Mike

Thanks Mike
That makes since now, I have never used their kit. I've made mine from used shells.

[autobodyman]

After carving the spoon for the wife's Christmas present (30+ hours, earlier in this thread) I thought maybe turning some in the lathe would be quicker and be some she might actually use. As it turns out the lathe part of the work only takes me 20 to 30 minutes but cutting out the blanks and shaping/carving/sanding the spoon or fork end is more time consuming. Took me about 5 hours for each spoon/fork, got a little carried away making these.
40908 40909
After turning in the lathe I sand the handle in the lathe from 180 grit threw 2000 grit and oil the handles with mineral oil. Then rough shape the end on my belt/disk sander and oscillating spindle sander then on to the "carving" part, then lots of sanding down to 2000 grit, and oil several times and buff.
40910 40911
First batch above. Second batch below.
40912
I decided to give these all to the wife for Christmas, then let her decide which ones she wants to keep (can't imagine why she'd want them all or where she'd put that many) and give the rest next year for birthdays or Christmas presents.

So anyway got a bit side tracked and didn't get back to work on the end table carving yet, probably get started back on that after Christmas now. I need to clean up the woodshop and get my compucarve drive cable cleaned and re-lubed (knocked the drive cable out into some dust while I had it disconnected for scanning).

Hope this is okay to post since it's not a CNC project? (why I put it in this thread instead of starting a new one).

What do you think of the wooden utensils?

Thanks ~Mike

[mtylerfl]

Awesome workmanship, Mike! Thank you very much for posting and it's great to "see" you here!

[Deolman]

Wow! Great projects. I think this is a great place to post.

[JDPratt]

Very nice quality work and craftsman ship. Quilted Maple has got to be one of my favorite all-time woods.

[eelamb]

Mike very nice work on the spoons/forks. When I make them, after digging out the spoon, I use hand scrapers to smooth it out. Cuts down on the amount of sanding. I noticed you said these are something your wife may use. My wife has her's hidden away, no one is allowed to use the ones I have made. Like you said turning the items is only a small part of the overall process. For the wood I use for turning, I start with fallen trees and process the wood from there to make bowls and other items.

[www.carvenow.com]

That is awesome carving. Beautiful job!

[autobodyman]

Finally got the gumpstion to get started on the front of the cowboys carving, I'll skip some of the steps since I covered some of that already on the back.
42569
After routering down the fence. Unfortunately the pics the wife took of me from the front don't line up perfectly with the photos she took of me from the back so I'm going to have to wing it. Not really the way I like to carve but this section will be glued to the back carving and laid faces side down on the main carving so details don't have to be perfect.
42570
Got the saddle roughed out and starting on one of the "me's".

42571
Very rough but decided course bits would be faster to get me roughly shaped for the more detailed work later.

42572
The back and front sitting together, I can see this is going to be harder than I thought. I'm either going to have to take the front carving down a lot farther or more likely when I get the front mostly finished I'll have to temporarily attach the two halves and take some off the back as well.

42573
Mostly roughed out. More pics to come.

[autobodyman]

42574 42575 42576

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Now the hard part, final shaping, details and a whole lot of sanding and then of course probably re-working the back to look correct from the sides.

What do you think so far?

Thanks ~Mike

[Deolman]

Mike that is beginning to look really awesome. I feel it is a privelege to be able to watch you as your talents turn that piece of wood into a beautiful piece of art. Thank you for sharing during the progression of this piece of art.

[SharonB]

Mike.... it is always a pleasure to watch an artist at work. And, even though we are viewing your work through photo's (and wishing we could see the orginials) we know a very talented carver when we see one. I (and I know others) certainly look forward to seeing your master piece when completed.

[mtylerfl]

Mike, you just blow me away with your carvings and creative ideas. Man, it's fun to watch you work! Thank you for letting us follow your progress!

[Capt Bruce]

Mike,

Thanks so much for sharing these progress shots with us in your audience. What I wouldn't give to be able to watch over your shoulder for a few days or weeks. Just WOW

[autobodyman]

Thanks everyone for the great replies. I hope you don't get sick of this.

This seems like it's taking me forever, another 5 or 6 hours on it today.
42628 42629
More or less the same picture, just different light setting on my camera, first one is "daylight" second is Neutral florescent. It's in a room with florescent lighting but I have a 500watt halogen shinning down from above.

42630 42631
I'm not sure I'm thrilled with the way this is turning out, but I have a long way to go so I suppose it could improve. Needs more work on the face and hands, buttons on shirt and a lot more sanding, then on to the next guy, only 3 more after this one, ug.

The hat seems to be a bit small (or the head is to big) can't really change the outer dimensions and have any hope of it fitting up with the back carving though, so I'll just have to keep plugging away and hope this doesn't end up being a really time consuming piece of firewood.

What do you think of it so far?

Thanks ~Mike

[JDPratt]

Truely amazing work

[gregsolano]

When finished it will belong in an art gallery with a hefty price tag!

[autobodyman]

My air compressor pump in the woodshop seized today, got a few places checking to see what it would cost to get a replacement pump. Can't use my turbo-carver without it, I mostly use it for the fine details so I'll be alright for a while as I still have quite a way to go.

I decided to try lowering the back carving a little bit so I jigged it up and ran it threw my drum sander.
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Only took off about 3/16 of an inch off but I think it will help some when it comes time to put the two halves together.
42719
Not much progress, slow going for me at the moment, not really sure why.

Thanks ~Mike

[dbfletcher]

Coolamundo!! (sorry chebytrk... i just had to use it)

[Kenm810]

Superb!! ~Mike



Ps. "Coolamundo" --JerryB, Doug, is that Derived from Latin or the Greeks??

[chebytrk]

I think it comes from the prior sayin' "Git er Dun" : )

[mtylerfl]

Mike,

You certainly have a natural ability to see and implement the "foreshortening" of perspective in your carvings That's usually the most challenging part of creating a relief pattern that will carve well and still look like it has the proper perspective/depth. You have that down to a "T"!

Say, I've been thinking about getting a power carver of some type (in addition to my 'standard' Dremels). I've already talked to OldCop (Bernie) a little bit about his particular setup, but am interested in your feedback too.

I know you have several rotary tools, but which tool do you use with the compressor? Is the brand-name "Turbo Carve"? As long as I'm at it, what brand/model compressor do you use? (when it's working, that is!). I do have a 1HP 30 gal. shop compressor (piston/noisy-type), but was thinking about a pan compressor or whatever might be more suitable for an air-driven power carve setup. What are your recommendations, if you don't mind?

[rcdages]

Michael,

If you get in to the High Speed Carving tool you will love it.

The one I have had for 16 years or more. I used it when I did gun stock carving. It is the one that 400,000 RPM's

I have one that turns 400,000 RPM and the other one 150,000 RPM'S

[autobodyman]

Mike, Michael,

You certainly have a natural ability to see and implement the "foreshortening" of perspective in your carvings That's usually the most challenging part of creating a relief pattern that will carve well and still look like it has the proper perspective/depth. You have that down to a "T"!
I'm not 100% sure on that but Thank you.

Say, I've been thinking about getting a power carver of some type (in addition to my 'standard' Dremels). I've already talked to OldCop (Bernie) a little bit about his particular setup, but am interested in your feedback too.

I know you have several rotary tools, but which tool do you use with the compressor? Is the brand-name "Turbo Carve"?
Turbo Carver (http://www.turbocarver.com/), http://www.turbocarver.com/

As long as I'm at it, what brand/model compressor do you use? (when it's working, that is!).
I've got a Campbell Hausfield in the woodshop, Not sure I'd recommend this brand. At least it hasn't worked out well for me. I bought this one in 2000, replaced the pump in 2002 and it fried again. I think this particular pump had a design flaw, it pumps the oil out of the pump and into the tank. I did find out this pump is no longer available, they have a replacement pump but I think I'm going to get the same pump I have on the Ingersol * to replace it, it seems quieter slightly higher CFM (.7 more) and I've had great luck with it (I haven't changed the oil in it since 1987. I've added a very small amount to it over the years but it also has a sight glass for viewing the oil level and color).
42746 42747
* I've got an Ingersol Rand in my Bshop that hasn't had a problem since I got it in 1987 and has been used a lot harder (they are both single stage rated at about the same (11 CFM@90psi, 60 gallon) and both cost around $500.

I do have a 1HP 30 gal. shop compressor (piston/noisy-type), but was thinking about a pan compressor or whatever might be more suitable for an air-driven power carve setup. What are your recommendations, if you don't mind?
The Turbo-Carver draws less than 2cfm so almost any compressor should run it okay. I use a a couple air regulators/filters on mine, one just for the turbo carver so I never put more than 40 psi to it. Turbo-Carver sells some air compressors too but for what they get for them I'd rather buy a larger air compressor so I can use it for other things too, air-nailers, staplers, blow gun, air-die grinders, air orbital sanders etc......

Thanks ~Mike

[autobodyman]

Made a small amount of progress this weekend, not much.
42835

In my own defense, my son and I decided to finish a project I started 10 years ago, he said it kind of bums him out seeing it in here all the time and I was getting a bit tired of working around it.
42836
This is where I was at with the rocker 10 years ago (above), I thought we might be having a grandchild. We later found out our daughter-in-law couldn't have children (guess the wife and I should have had more than one kid).

42837
I ripped and plained down a bunch of wood for this, son has been stopping up after work and tracing and cutting out the pieces. Took me two days to shape and sand the pieces for just one side of the tail. Another project that will take me forever to complete.

42838
10 years ago I saw this same rocker at the place I get most of my wood from. The owner had made it. One day I went in to get some wood and his rocker was gone, I asked him what had happened to it and he told me some guy had come in and offered him $4,000.00 for it, said he to let it go for that.

I told son when we finish it I'd take it to the wood place and see if it sells, told him I'd split whatever we get for it. I don't really expect to get that much for it, but you never know.

What do you think?

Thanks ~Mike

[SharonB]

Mike... a person has to have a few back-up projects on hand at all times. But I'm with your son....finish the horse. The horse is one tremendous project that would look good in any home....grandchildren or not. I wouldn't be surprised if your son would proudly display it in his home....especially since the two of you are working together creating such a master piece.